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DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES |
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 Welcome to the Department of Family Services' Community Corner. Our weekly newsletter, updated each Wednesday, provides information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your family and friends.
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Sneak Peek: What’s Coming Up in 2026
Employment Services is starting the year strong on January 6 with Talent Tuesdays, a virtual event where job seekers can learn proven strategies for marketing yourself from an experienced professional recruiter. And save the date for Thursday, February 26 for a can’t miss job fair for former federal workers and contractors – more details coming soon! The Benefits Team wants to remind everyone about ways to make sure you get the right SNAP benefits at the right time. Use our community engagement toolkit to spread the word to help SNAP households maximize their benefits. Happy New Year from Public Assistance and Employment Services!
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January Is Stalking Awareness Month
Stalking...
- is repeated and unwanted contact that makes you feel afraid or harassed.
- is serious, often violent, and can escalate over time.
- is common. About 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced stalking in their lifetime.
- is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- happens across all ages and genders, though people aged 18 to 24 experience stalking more often than all other age groups.
- can impact a person's mental health and well-being.
Learn more to know it, name it, stop it.
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Want to Reduce Your Kids’ Screen Time? Adjust Your Own Tech Boundaries
For kids, having easy access to online tech in their pockets, backpack or bedroom invites them to spend time on their devices day and night. Parents may be concerned, but have you thought about how much your own screen use shapes your kids’ online habits. The solution — check out some tips for a better family-wide approach to setting tech boundaries.
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Be Part of the Human Trafficking Day of Action
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized every year on January 11. Here’s how you can take part:
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Meet Kadidia Zabsonre Ouedraogo, Hotline Volunteer
“Every human being should be treated with dignity regardless of any consideration related to their race, gender, religious beliefs, age, political affiliation, or sex and sexual orientation. This mindset has always prompted me to assist any member of my community who needs my support,” says Hotline volunteer Kadidia Zabsonre Ouedraogo. “Being a volunteer makes me a full part of the community or represents a way to give back to the community.” Learn more about Kadidia’s volunteer journey.
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Tuesday, Jan. 6 – Virtual Talent Tuesdays for Job Seekers
Connect with a recruiting manager to get resume tips, interviewing techniques, and best practices on how to represent yourself when applying for jobs. Hosted by Theresa Mazzaro, Recruitment Manager from Fairfax Radiology Centers, this event is open to all jobseekers. Register now.
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Tuesday, Jan. 13 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Discipline in a Nurturing Environment
Join us for the next free Virtual Parent Café on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “Discipline in a Nurturing Environment.” Discipline isn’t just about correcting behavior. It’s about teaching, guiding, and helping your child grow into a confident, responsible individual. Join us for an insightful discussion about effective discipline strategies that strengthen your family dynamic. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can register online. For more information, email or call 703-324-7720.
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Tuesday, Jan. 13 – Attend a Foster Care Information Meeting
Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? Hundreds of children in Fairfax County need a temporary loving home until they can safely return to their families. Our next virtual information meeting is by invitation only on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 6:45 p.m. Complete this short interest form for prospective parents. For more information check out our website.
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Wednesday, Jan. 14 – New Year, New Career Virtual Hiring Event
Enter the year with new opportunities and networking connections! This online job fair brings together live recruiters in Northern Virginia to interact in real time, from a wide range of industries. Connect with roles from entry-level to experienced, all accessible from the comfort of your own device. This hiring event will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Register now.
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Like this newsletter? We have more! Subscribe to get updates and tips specifically for caregivers, jobseekers, foster parents, volunteers, older adults, people with disabilities, and people living in assisted living or other long-term care facilities. You can also listen to our podcast, watch videos, follow us on Facebook, email us, or call us. Learn more and sign up today! |
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 Please follow us on Facebook at Fairfax County Department of Family Services for news, events, tips, stories and training opportunities. We support families and county residents of all ages and stages of life. Join our community and engage with us through social media!
Join Us! Learn about career and volunteer opportunities in the Department of Family Services.
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The Department of Family Services (DFS) envisions a community where everyone lives their success story and thrives. DFS strengthens the well-being of our diverse community by protecting and improving the lives of all children, adults, and families through assistance, partnership, advocacy, outreach, and quality services.
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